Buying textbooks (2 buy or not to buy)

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At university, lecturers and tutors will often tell you that you must get the recommended reading or textbook. They may tell you that you need to get the latest versions of textbooks. The latest versions of textbooks sometimes have lots of changes, but often or not there are little edits and most of the content is the same.

Universities and authors (some at universities) produce textbooks and want to increase sales.

Consider the following things before you purchase a textbook:
- What do past students think of the textbook? Ask students what they think of the textbook? IS it useful, did it help much in understand or illustrating content?
- Is it required for tutorial work?  - Y/N. Check the subject outline (e.g. "Q2, 3, from... gable and gabel)
- Are there past versions that you can use? - Check if there are old versions of the textbook? Y/N
-- DOes the past version vary a lot from the new version/latest?  Y/N

Thus, buy a textbook if past students think it is good, its required for coursework and if there are past versions (that do not vary much from the new one).

Conclusion
In short:
- Ask yourself where you really do need a textbook?
- Look around for a good price (not just at the local uni book store) - They are a massive rip off if you can get a decent new book elsewhere